COURTLAND—Mrs. Emma Lou Williams Boykins departed this life June 28, 2011, at her home in Courtland, Va.

The Southampton County native was born March 3, 1925, to Herman Williams Sr. and Delia Crocker Williams.

She attended public school in Southampton County and later attended beauty school. She obtained her license as a hairdresser. She owned and operated her beauty parlor, located adjacent to her home, and it was fondly known as “The Shop.”

She was a member of Bryant Baptist Church, where she served as an usher in her earlier years, a member of the Senior Choir, the Missionary Ministry, the Youth Ministry and the Hospitality Committee.

She was a retiree from Southampton County Public School System, where she worked in the cafeteria and was a custodian for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Maynard Lee Boykins Sr.

She is survived by three children, Anna Rose Buck (John) of Roosevelt, N.Y., Maynard Lee Boykins Jr. (Florence) and Jacqueline B. Hill, all of Courtland, Va.; three sisters, Mary Porter, Portsmouth, Va., Barbara W. Harris, Courtland, Va., and Eunice W. Wilson, Suffolk, Va.; three brothers, Herman Williams Jr. (Espert), Suffolk, Va., Wilbert Williams Sr., Courtland, Va., and Milton Williams Sr. (Goldie), Suffolk, Va.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

A celebration of love will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at noon at Bryant Baptist Church, 23375 Bryant Church Road, Courtland, Va., where Reverend Johnnie Lyons is pastor; Reverend James Hill, presiding, and Reverend J.J. Ferguson will deliver the message of comfort.

The interment will be in the church cemetery. On the day of service, her remains will rest in church for viewing by 10 a.m.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons, Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va.

Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmiohnsonandsons.com